Teaching English in Nicaragua 101

Unlike Costa Rica or Panama, Nicaragua remains largely undiscovered by tourists and retirees. Nicaragua is a booming market for English teachers while also regarded as the safest country in the region. The demand for new teachers is high & schools generally hire English teachers year-round, except during December- mid-January during the Christmas holiday. Interviews are conducted locally in-person in Nicaragua.

Wages for English teachers in Nicaragua are modest, but the local cost of living is extremely low compared to the U.S. or Europe, so English teachers can afford a very comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle. Monthly rent will rarely top more than the equivalent of $150 a month, and basic necessities like food and public transportation are very affordable. Schools offer approximately 20 to 25 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to travel, explore, and pursue other interests.

English teachers do not need to have a bachelor’s degree to teach in Nicaragua, but it is preferred. TEFL certification is typically required. Most English teaching opportunities are found at bilingual schools teaching children in the larger cities like Leon, Managua, Granada, and San Juan del Sur. It is standard for English teachers to work on a tourist visa that can be renewed every 90 days by making a short visit to Costa Rica.

Please note, that while a Bachelor’s degree is not required to secure a job in this country, it still can be strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search.

Alumni Stories: Teaching English in Nicaragua

"Nicaragua is an untapped treasure in Central America. It is an amazing place, full of wonderful people and sites to see." - Shelby Seavers

"The TEFL training taught me how to design lesson plans, create my own activities and curriculum when I need to, and it provided me with skills to be a better teacher." - Chelsea Johnson

"The class and certificate allowed me to go back and teach in my own community to non-native English speakers – something I wanted to do as an income supplement after retiring." - Doc Stull

TEFL Certification Options for Teaching English in Nicaragua

You don't need a degree in education or professional teaching experience to teach English in Nicaragua, but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you need to get hired. Students can also take their TEFL certification class online, onsite at one of 25 ln-Person TEFL Classes around the world. All International TEFL Academy TEFL students receive lifetime worldwide Job Search Guidance. Here are the recommended options:

Online TEFL Certification

Earn your internationally accredited 170-hour TEFL certification online. Taught by experienced university-level professors, this 11-week part-time course incorporates live practice teaching and is designed to accommodate those working or going to school full time. Learn more.

North America TEFL Courses

Take a 4-week onsite TEFL Course in North America prior to going abroad. Learn more.

Teach English Abroad in 7 Steps

How Can We Help You Teach English Abroad?

Based in Chicago, IL, International TEFL Academy is a World leader in TEFL certification for teaching English abroad. We offer internationally accredited TEFL Classes online & in 25 locations worldwide. We certify 5,000 people a year from all walks of life to teach English abroad and our graduates are teaching English in 80 countries across the globe. All ITA students and graduates receive lifetime worldwide Job Search Guidance.